Perfluorocarbon liquids in the management of traumatic retinal detachments

Low viscosity perfluorocarbon liquids were used as an intraoperative tool during vitrectomy for retinal detachment (RD) after penetrating ocular trauma. These liquids are immiscible with water and have specific gravities from 1.8 to 1.9. Intraoperatively, the perfluorocarbon liquids flattened the retina in 14 eyes by displacing the subretinal fluid through peripheral breaks. Posterior retinotomy was not required for internal drainage of subretinal fluid. Pooled subretinal fluid was displaced from the macular area in five patients. The perfluorocarbon bubble mechanically stabilized the retina during epiretinal membrane dissection. The perfluorocarbon liquid was removed and replaced perfluorocarbon gas or silicone oil. In 11 patients followed for more than 6 months after the final surgery, eight (73%) eyes were anatomically successful, with six (54.5%) gaining visual acuity of 20/400 or better.